Area 18 – North Suburban Cook

Area 18 was founded in 1982 and provides programming for people in the North and Northwest Suburbs of Cook County.

There are many opportunities available for you to get involved with Special Olympics including serving as a volunteer or committee member, helping with fundraising or competing as an athlete. If you live in the Area and want to find out more about the local program, please contact the Area Director.

What is State Bowling?

State Bowling is one of 9 state sports competitions. It is the culminating competition for those participating in bowling. State Bowling is hosted at Landmark Lanes in Peoria.

Competition

State Bowling is a stand alone competition and serves as a showcase for our bowling athletes to demonstrate the skills they have learned throughout the year. Everyone is encouraged to attend this premiere state tournament so make sure you don’t miss this great event!

Volunteers

Volunteers are needed in a variety of roles at our State Bowling competition. Please click on the link below to check out all the available shifts and register to volunteer!

Tentative Competition Times

All times listed below are tentative and subject to change once event specific schedules are determined. Times only reflect actual competition times and do not include time frames for coach meetings, weigh-in times, etc. For a final schedule please check the Supporting Documents section close to competition day.

Saturday: 9:45 – 3:00pm

Families

A family hospitality area will be available at State Bowling. The family area will be open from 8 am until 1 pm and refreshments will be served. Please encourage family members to visit the Family Hospitality Area and register or check-in to let us know they are here. Family members can meet and visit with other families and receive information on what is new at Special Olympics Illinois and also have the opportunity to win a prize from the raffle. Most of all, they can have fun, relax and watch their athletes have a great experience.

Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony will take place on the lanes beginning at 9 am on Saturday. We ask that all first shift bowlers be on the lanes before the ceremony begins. All other athletes, coaches and spectators should be seated in the chairs or bleachers behind the lanes.

Souvenirs

The souvenir area is open from 9:00am until 2:00pm. Items range from $1 to $55 and include clothing and other traditional souvenir items. For an additional fee, many items can be personalized with names, events, etc. Cash and most major credit cards are accepted. CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. Souvenir items are offered by Minerva Promotions and a percentage of sales are given to Special Olympics Illinois.

Join the Suburban Young Professionals’ Board as they host their 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Party benefitting Special Olympics Illinois! Wear your most HO-HO-HOrrible sweater to enter the ugly sweater contest, along with many other holiday games and raffles. Each attendee will receive two drink tickets, unlimited appetizers, and prizes. May all your sweaters be ugly and bright.

If you would like more information on the event or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Katelin Zandi at 217-497-0406 or kzandi@soill.org.

You Are Invited!

The 2019 LETR Kickoff promises to be the best to date, providing a more interactive and exciting experience to all attendees. A variety of sessions will be offered, covering topics from fundraising best practices, athlete engagement and the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebration. This is also a unique opportunity to network with Torch Run officers throughout the state! All law enforcement personnel are invited to attend. There is no registration fee and lunch will be provided.

Win a HD Smart TV!

Attend the Kickoff and be entered into a drawing for a HD Smart TV! Winner will be selected at the end of the conference and must be present to win.

Tentative Agenda

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Onsite Registration and Check In

10:00 – 10:10 a.m. – Flame of Hope

10:10 – 10:35 a.m. – Welcome & Introductions

10:35 – 10:50 a.m. – Social Media Best Practices

10:50 – 11:05 a.m. – Special Olympics IL Global Messenger Speech

11:05 – 11:25 a.m. – Special Olympics Athlete and LETR Officer Panel

11:25 – 11:45 a.m. – Announcements

11:45 – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Keynote Speaker (TBA)

1:30 – 1:55 p.m. – Special Olympics Illinois 50th Anniversary

1:55 – 2:10 p.m. – Break

2:10 – 2:30 p.m. – 2019 LETR Overview & Resources

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. – Flame of Hope and Top Fundraising Awards

Keynote Speaker

Check back soon for more information about this years’ Keynote Speaker!

Hospitality Suite

We will be hosting a hospitality suite in the Brookridge conference room at the Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center on Thursday, January 31st. This event is scheduled from 8 p.m. – midnight, so if you’re in town, please stop by!

Rooms

65 rooms have been reserved for Thursday, Jan. 31st, at a special rate of $109 (plus tax). Reservations can be made by calling the Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center at 309-664-6446 and asking for a room in the Torch Run block. Rooms must be reserved by Jan. 10, 2019.

Register Now

Check back on December 7th, 2018 to register for the 2019 Kickoff Conference

What is Winter Games?

Winter Games is one of 9 state sports competitions. It is the culminating competition for those participating in Alpine Skiing and Snowshoeing. Winter Games is hosted at Chestnut Mountain in Galena, IL. Over 450 athletes will compete in this 3-day event and show off their winning form!

Competition

Competition is offered in Alpine Skiing and Snowshoeing. Athletes cannot participate in more than one sport.

Sports competition runs from Tuesday, Feb. 5, to Thursday, Feb. 7. The public is invited and encouraged to attend any and all parts of Special Olympics Illinois Winter Games.

Volunteer Opportunities

Please click on the buttons below to register to volunteer for this event.

Tentative Competition Times

All times listed below are tentative and subject to change once event specific schedules are determined. Times only reflect actual competition times and do not include time frames for coach meetings, weigh-in times, etc. For a final schedule please check the Supporting Documents section close to competition day.

Alpine Skiing

Tuesday, 1:30pm Assessments

Wednesday, 9am – 4pm

Thursday, 9am – 4pm

Snowshoeing

Tuesday, Noon-4pm

Wednesday, 9:00am – 4pm

Thursday, 9:00am – Noon

Young Athletes

Young Athletes from around the state will enjoy participating in snowshoeing, socializing and so much more during the 2019 Winter Games.

Young Athletes have the opportunity to participate in the 50-meter and 100-meter snowshoe exhibition on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 5 & 6! Participating in exhibition events is a great way to help Young Athletes transition to the traditional Special Olympics program! To take part in the transitional exhibitions Young Athletes must have a valid Medical Application. For more information, please email youngathletes@soill.org.

Family Activities

Families are an integral part of Special Olympics Illinois and of Winter Games. Parents and family members attending Winter Games should stop by the Family Registration area, located on the lower level of Chestnut Mountain Resort to pick up their family packet and goody bag.

Families are invited to take part in the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday evening in downtown Galena. At 5:30 p.m., the Parade of Athletes will walk through downtown Galena and end up at the Post Office for the official Ceremony ending at 6 p.m. Dress appropriately for the weather – it is all outdoors.

Family members attending Winter Games will also be invited to the Eagle Ridge Reception from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. Space is limited so pre-registration is required for attendance at this event. The dress is business casual. Light appetizers will be served and guests will enjoy presentations, socializing with other families, sponsors, volunteers, Board members and staff.

Family members are also invited to the Victory Dance at Chestnut Mountain or the Ramada from 7:30 – 9 p.m. Wednesday. The dance is typically a highlight for many of the athletes as they get to dance away the night!

Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony and the Parade of Athletes will be in downtown Galena beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Opening Ceremony shuttle buses will begin departing Chestnut Mountain and the Ramada at 4:30pm. Line-up will begin at 5:15 p.m. on Green Street near the historic Post Office building. Agencies will line up behind their Area flag. The parade will progress through the downtown area and back to the Post Office area where Opening Ceremony will be held. Finally, to top off the Ceremony, Law Enforcement Torch Run officers will hand off the torch to athletes who will carry it along its path and light the cauldron holding the Flame of Hope to kick off the Games! Please dress appropriately for the weather – it is all outdoors.

***New this year: A fireworks display will take place at the end of the Opening Ceremony. An announcement will be made to allow time for those that want to leave before the fireworks display begins.

Dinner Downtown

After the Opening Ceremony, agencies will be escorted to local restaurants for dinner. Shuttle buses from downtown to Chestnut Mountain, the Ramada and the Stoney Creek Inn will depart at 7:15pm. Please check your agency’s registration packet for more detailed information.

Winter Games Reception

The Winter Games Reception will be at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Space is limited so pre-registration is required for attendance at this event. The dress is business casual. Light appetizers will be served and guests will enjoy presentations, socializing with other families, sponsors, volunteers, Board members and staff.

Victory Dance

The Victory Dance will be from 7:30 – 9 p.m. Wednesday at Chestnut Mountain and Crossroads Community Church. The dance gives the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois a chance to celebrate their accomplishments and to socialize with others from around the state. Old friends will catch up and new friends will be made. The smiles and joy of the athletes are a testament to how Special Olympics Illinois helps transform lives.

Souvenirs

Souvenir information TBA.

Weather

In case of inclement weather, schedule changes or cancellations check the website here for updates. You can also call 309-888-2000 Ext. 245

Supporting Documents

The First Look for Charity is the nation’s largest auto show and a formal gala benefiting Special Olympics and 17 other vital charities in the Chicagoland area. Now in its 28th year, the First Look offers complimentary hors-d’oeuvres, champagne, wine, soft drinks and desserts all on the show floor. Guests will also enjoy live music and have the chance to win one of two brand new 2018 vehicles. The Special Olympics Illinois hospitality suite will be open all evening beginning at 6:00 pm and will be themed as a Soiree, enjoy the open bar, hors-d’oeuvres and complimentary coat check. Remember – this is a tax-deductible contribution.

Special Olympics Created by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation. Special Olympics Illinois. Authorized and
Accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. for the Benefit of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.